ATLANTA, Ga. — With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to arrive in Atlanta this summer, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is preparing for the global spotlight with a major transformation to its playing surface.
Beginning January 31, the stadium will remove its artificial turf and replace it with natural grass, a key requirement for FIFA-sanctioned matches. Stadium officials confirmed the new surface will feature a hybrid blue-rye grass system, blending natural grass with a synthetic component to improve durability and performance.
Adam Fullerton, Vice President of Stadium Operations at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, said the hybrid system will ensure elite playing conditions while withstanding the demands of a packed international schedule.
The new grass surface will not only be used for the World Cup. Atlanta United FC is scheduled to play eight home matches on natural grass, while the U.S. Men’s National Team will host international friendlies against Portugal and Belgium at the venue in March.
Following those matches, the stadium will install a fresh grass surface ahead of the World Cup kickoff.
Atlanta is slated to host eight World Cup matches, including five group-stage games, two knockout-round contests, and a semifinal, cementing the city’s role as one of the tournament’s premier U.S. hosts.
2026 FIFA World Cup Matches in Atlanta
Group Stage
- Monday, June 15 – Match 14 (Group H): Spain vs. Cabo Verde – Noon
- Thursday, June 18 – Match 25 (Group A): South Africa vs. playoff winner – Noon
- Sunday, June 21 – Match 38 (Group H): Spain vs. Saudi Arabia – Noon
- Wednesday, June 24 – Match 50 (Group C): Morocco vs. Haiti – 6 p.m.
- Saturday, June 27 – Match 72 (Group K): Uzbekistan vs. playoff winner – 7:30 p.m.
Knockout Rounds
- Wednesday, July 1 – Knockout Round Match – Noon
- Tuesday, July 7 – Round of 16 – Noon
- Wednesday, July 15 – Semifinal – 3 p.m.
With natural grass returning to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the countdown to kickoff underway, Atlanta continues to position itself as a centerpiece of the largest FIFA World Cup in history.
Call to Action: Stay locked into Atlanta soccer news, World Cup updates, and matchday information by following Americans Soccer Now and preparing now for an unforgettable summer of global football in the heart of the city.
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.
